#17 USAO Comes Up Short in SAC Tournament Finals at #10 JBU

SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. – Wednesday night, the No. 2 seeded University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (13-3-5, 6-0-3 SAC) was dealt a tough 3-1 loss in the SAC Tournament finals at No. 1 seed John Brown University (13-2-4, 7-0-2 SAC). The loss snaps USAO's 16-game unbeaten streak and the appearance in the championship game was the 11^th in a row for the Drovers.

The Drovers and the Golden Eagles have met in each of the last previous six championship games, and when they met earlier this season, the rivals concluded in a 1-1 draw at McLaughlin Field. 

On Friday, the Golden Eagles wasted little time to claim a lead, heading in a goal less than nine minutes into the contest. Both defenses held strong for the remainder of the half and JBU took a one-goal advantage into the break.

Following halftime, the Golden Eagles needed less than a minute to extend their lead to 2-0. Down, but not out, the Drovers trimmed the deficit to one as Paula Casajus scored her 12^th of the season, assisted by Emali Goulas and Ilse de Jong. 

However, JBU put the game out of reach with an insurance goal in the 84^th minute. 

As a team, USAO attempted a total of five shots, with three being on goal, while John Brown attempted 11 shots, seven of which were on frame. The Drovers were whistled for six fouls, and the Golden Eagles were flagged for 14 infractions. JBU had six corner-kicks, in comparison to USAO's zero attempts out of the offensive corners. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers now turn their attention to the NAIA Women's Soccer Selection Show, to determine their future at the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship. The selection show will take place on Friday, Nov. 14 at 6:00 PM CT on the NAIA's YouTube channel. 

Previously, USAO has made eight appearances at the national tournament, with their deepest run coming in 2019, when they won the first two rounds and advanced to the final site.

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